Record day for Christchurch Airport

It’s a red-letter day for Christchurch Airport, with the
arrival of the first China Southern Airlines flight and the
release of record passenger numbers.

The direct
flight from Guangzhou brought 228 Chinese visitors to
celebrate Chinese New Year in the South Island and marked
the first time a Dreamliner has flown commercially to
Christchurch, highlighting the increasing numbers of Chinese
visitors choosing the South Island over the north.

New Chinese travel regulations have prompted a drop-off
in the overall number of tourists coming to New Zealand,
though those who do come stay longer to experience the
South Island, which is outperforming the rest of the
country, according to Tourism New Zealand .

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns says
the company’s ‘Welcome China’ strategy is focussed on
building international arrivals from China to New Zealand
via Christchurch.

“It’s about bringing more
people here,” says Mr Johns. “Our relationship with
China Southern is key to this and has been in development
for some time. It is a fact that the number of Chinese
visitors to the South Island of New Zealand continues to
grow.

“Over the past decade, the South Island has
been the brand engine room for New Zealand in China. Images
of our breath taking scenery – mountains, lakes, wide blue
skies, green open spaces and adventure-based culture -
attract Chinese travellers, which is good for the whole
country.

“Over the past couple of years, the
number of Chinese visitors visiting the South Island has
grown substantially. Over the past 12 months, there was a
72% increase in Chinese tourism expenditure in the South
Island. That can only mean mutual economic benefit and we,
for our part, are working hard to continue to deliver
increasingly high levels of visitor satisfaction.”

New statistics released this morning reveal recent
records set at Christchurch Airport.

“Our total
passenger movements recorded the best December since
2009,” says Mr Johns. “December was also a record month
for domestic passenger movements, better than any single
month since March 2010. The week ending December 22 was the
busiest we’ve had for total passenger movements since
immediately after the major 2011 earthquake.

“All
of this makes Christchurch an exciting and energising place
to visit, work and play.”

“Benefits go beyond
just tourism, as many industry sectors benefit from
improving volumes and increasing access to the island via
the airport– airfreight users and the education sector,
for example.

“The recent additional flights from
Perth and Singapore, as well as Japan charters have added to
increased volumes. Overall, aircraft are fuller than last
year too, adding to the increase.

“Just this
morning, we received preliminary passenger volumes showing
Chinese nationals coming through the airport were the
highest January numbers we’ve seen. Last month, 2,874
Chinese nationals arrived here internationally, with 4,599
Chinese international arrivals and departures through this
airport. Of course, that excludes Chinese visitors who come
through the airport on domestic flights.

“Though
the exact timing of Chinese New Year changes from year to
year, statistics show the number of Chinese travellers
choosing to spend their special holiday in the South Island
is definitely on the
rise.”

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